Donnie Quinn Reno Junction Big K 1979

Donnie Quinn Reno Junction Big K 1979 CAT# 39863

Generally, Big K Records was putting out regional country albums, but this doesn't quite fit the bill. It's basically an Elvis Presley impersonation album, there's even a tribute tune. That probably sounds worse than it actually is, but that's the best description for it.

Donnie Quinn was apparently a teenager obsessed with the King. Of course, with that comes a healthy dose of country influences, from rockabilly to the straight early Nashville sound, but it's all filtered through Elvis Presley. The album also features the work of Terry Swope on guitar, who apparently like Quinn, was also obsessed with Elvis as he pens some of the tunes.

Again, though, it's not a terrible thing, a bit strange, but not terrible. The ballads don't need to be here, they showcase Quinn with his snarled lip vocals, just trying to channel some Elvis magic. But, it's no better than what Andy Kaufman was doing as a joke. When the band gets going on their "comeback" style Elvis-tunes, it's pretty enjoyable. There's some horns here and there, Donnie channels the best of sweaty, soul-driven, black, leather-suit, Elvis. It's no From Elvis in Memphis, but it's highlights aren't bad, just no where near as fulfilling as the real thing.

Mike O' Roark and the Free Born Men How Do You Like It So Far? Big K Records

Mike O' Roark and the Free Born Men How Do You Like It So Far? Big K Records NO YEAR LISTED CAT# BK-11873

This LP was put out by Big K Records in Kansas City.  The label is a bit of unknown, likely due to the fact that there isn't as big of an interest in obscure country as there is rock n' roll, but they put out a bunch of vinyl regionally in their day.  The label focused on rural sounds in the Kansas and Missouri area and was located in Kansas City, Missouri.

This LP was typical of the label's releases.  Focused around traditional country and bluegrass.  During a time when Nashville was focusing on Countrypolitain, there were labels like Big K trying to provide people the traditional stuff.  All the players are native to the Kansas City area according to the back sleeve and even features a 15 year old on the stand up bass, Mitch O'Roark, who is obviously the band leader's younger brother.

The concern I always have for regional country is the fact that it was regional to Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma; y'know the middle states, which means a lot of this stuff can tend to be drenched in Jesus and influenced by the Ozark and Branson scenes.  Good news about this LP is it suffers only slightly from the Ozark scene.  None of that hillbilly Ozark Mountain crap though, there's no fiddle (well, truth be told, one song features it), but no spoons or washboards, just stringed instruments.  Also, there's no religion which is always a huge plus in my book (not that I mind the occasional gospel tune, but, when they start with their originals on the subject, fuck, I don't have time for that).

Overall, I'm not enough of bluegrass, old-time expert to know if this a long lost gem.  What I can say with authority is that it's rooted in traditional bluegrass and old-time music.  No original tunes by Mr. O'Roark, but he's credited for the arrangements.  It is an interesting Kansas City nugget for sure.  Also, "the Free Born Men" is clearly a reference to being from Kansas and not Missouri, right?  Points for that.